fraudulent

adjective

fraud·​u·​lent ˈfrȯ-jə-lənt 

: characterized by, based on, or done by fraud : deceitful

fraudulent use of a credit card

fraudulent claims for unemployment compensation

—Wall Street Journal

fraudulently adverb

fraudulentness noun

Synonyms

• crooked
• deceitful
• defrauding
• dishonest
• double-dealing
• false

Examples of fraudulent in a Sentence

Corrupt leaders were chosen in a fraudulent election.

fraudulent use of a credit card

the victim of a fraudulent scheme

Recent Examples on the Web

Unpaid toll text messages are likely a scam, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission warns, urging drivers to stay vigilant and avoid falling for fraudulent messages claiming overdue toll notices. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025

With home addresses exposed in data leaks, criminals may send fraudulent letters or fake invoices to trick you into providing further personal information or making payments. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 20 Feb. 2025

In June of 2022, the couple were found guilty of conspiring to defraud Atlanta-area banks out of more than $30 million in fraudulent loans. —Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 20 Feb. 2025

Warning signs of fraudulent debt relief companies Unfortunately, the debt relief industry is not immune to scams. —Gabriel Rodriguez, Sacramento Bee, 20 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

fraudulent

adjective

fraud·​u·​lent ˈfrȯ-jə-lənt 

: based on or done by fraud

fraudulently adverb

fraudulentness noun

Legal Definition

fraudulent

adjective

fraud·​u·​lent

: characterized by, based on, or done by fraud compare deceptive, false, misleading

fraudulently adverb